Kuldhara Abandoned Village
Explore the enigmatic Kuldhara Abandoned Village, a testament to the Paliwal Brahmins' resilience and a captivating historical enigma.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Kuldhara Abandoned Village
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the enigmatic Kuldhara Abandoned Village, a testament to the Paliwal Brahmins' resilience and a captivating historical enigma.
"It's not just a ghost village—it's a story etched in stone, echoing the spirit of a proud community."
🚗 Bike for the Best Ride
Take a bike to explore Kuldhara and the scenic route to the village. It offers a great way to experience the surroundings.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
There are no vendors inside the village, so bring ample water, especially during warmer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Abandoned Streets
Throughout the village
Wander through the silent, crumbling ruins of houses and temples, imagining life centuries ago.
Paliwal Brahmin Heritage
Village ruins
Explore the remnants of a once-thriving settlement, showcasing advanced planning and community living.
The Mystery of Abandonment
Village center
Contemplate the legend of the Paliwal Brahmins who vanished overnight, leaving a captivating enigma.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Exploration
Debunking the Ghostly Myths
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Bike for the Best Ride
Take a bike to explore Kuldhara and the scenic route to the village. It offers a great way to experience the surroundings.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
There are no vendors inside the village, so bring ample water, especially during warmer months.
💰 Cash for Entry Fee
The entry fee is Rs 50 per adult and must be paid in cash. Keep change handy.
🕰️ Respect the Closing Time
Tourists are not allowed to stay after 6 PM. Plan your visit accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Bike for the Best Ride
Take a bike to explore Kuldhara and the scenic route to the village. It offers a great way to experience the surroundings.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
There are no vendors inside the village, so bring ample water, especially during warmer months.
💰 Cash for Entry Fee
The entry fee is Rs 50 per adult and must be paid in cash. Keep change handy.
🕰️ Respect the Closing Time
Tourists are not allowed to stay after 6 PM. Plan your visit accordingly.
📸 Capture the Atmosphere
The ruins offer numerous picture-perfect spots. Take your time to explore and capture the essence of the village.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Kuldhara Abandoned Village to be a fascinating historical site, debunking ghost stories and highlighting its architectural beauty and intriguing past. The scenic journey and the opportunity to explore the ruins are major draws, though visitors should be prepared with water and cash for the entry fee.
"It is just a 20 Kim ride from the city. Best time to go is in the morning. A lot of picture places. Take your time explore. And the way to go till the village is amazing. Best to take a bike and explore."
Rumit Walia
"First of all, no ghost or scary thing here. We visited in July 2025 , the place and stayed for quite a long time, didn't feel anything scary or haunting. Entry fees is required per adust Rs 50 and need to pay in cash."
sarup bishnoi
"Visited in 2019 during our college excursion, the trip to Kuldhara Village was one of the most hauntingly fascinating parts of our journey through Jaisalmer. Located about 18 km from the city, Kuldhara is an abandoned village that holds within its ruins a mysterious and powerful story. Believed to have been established in the 13th century by the prosperous Paliwal Brahmins, Kuldhara was once a thriving settlement known for its advanced planning, water management, and community living.
What makes Kuldhara so captivating is not just its desolate, crumbling beauty, but the legend surrounding its sudden abandonment. It is said that the entire population vanished overnight around 200 years ago, supposedly to protect their dignity from an oppressive local ruler. According to folklore, a curse was placed on the village to ensure no one could ever resettle there—and to this day, it remains uninhabited.
As a history student, walking through the silent ruins—stone houses without roofs, deserted streets, and remnants of temples—offered a powerful, almost eerie glimpse into a once-flourishing society. Kuldhara stands as a poignant reminder of resilience, collective resistance, and the mysteries of Rajasthan’s past. It’s not just a ghost village—it’s a story etched in stone, echoing the spirit of a proud community that chose honor over survival."
Anamika B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kuldhara Abandoned Village is located about 18-20 km from Jaisalmer city. You can hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or rent a bike for the journey. Many travelers find renting a bike to be a great way to explore the scenic route.
Yes, Kuldhara Village is well-known and situated on the way to Sam Sand Dunes, making it relatively easy to find. Signage is usually present.
While taxis and autos are available, many visitors recommend taking a bike to truly enjoy the journey and explore the village at your own pace.
Public transport options might be limited. Hiring a private vehicle or bike is generally the most convenient way to reach Kuldhara from Jaisalmer.
The travel time from Jaisalmer to Kuldhara is approximately 20-30 minutes by car or bike, depending on traffic and road conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for Kuldhara Village is a nominal Rs 50 per adult, payable in cash.
No, tickets are typically purchased at the entrance upon arrival. It's advisable to have cash ready for the payment.
The Archaeological Department manages the site, and tourists are generally not allowed to stay after 6 PM. It's best to visit during daylight hours.
There is no mention of a separate photography fee, but it's always good to check on-site if you plan extensive professional shoots.
No, there is a small entry fee of Rs 50 per adult required to enter Kuldhara Village.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Despite its reputation, most visitors report that Kuldhara is not haunted. It's an abandoned village with a fascinating history, not a place of supernatural activity.
You can explore the ruins of houses, temples, and streets, learn about the history of the Paliwal Brahmins, and imagine life in this once-thriving settlement. It's a great spot for photography.
Allocate at least 1-2 hours to explore the village thoroughly, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere.
While not always readily available, you might find local guides who can share stories and historical insights about the village.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be exploring ruins. Light, breathable clothing is recommended, especially during warmer months.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food stalls or restaurants within Kuldhara Abandoned Village. It's recommended to eat before or after your visit.
Yes, you can bring your own snacks and drinks. Just ensure you clean up after yourself and dispose of trash responsibly.
You'll need to return to Jaisalmer city for a wide range of dining options, from local Rajasthani cuisine to international dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The abandoned ruins, unique architecture, and desolate atmosphere make Kuldhara a fantastic location for photography, especially during the golden hours.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and a warm glow on the ruins.
Generally, casual photography is allowed. However, professional shoots might require special permissions, so it's best to inquire on-site.
You can capture wide shots of the village layout, detailed shots of the crumbling architecture, and atmospheric images that convey the sense of abandonment and history.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the mystery and history rather than ghost stories to keep the experience engaging and positive for younger visitors. The journey to the village can also be an adventure, especially if traveling by bike. It’s a chance to teach children about the importance of preserving heritage sites and understanding different ways of life from the past.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles and compositions to capture the sense of abandonment and the passage of time. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the overall village layout, while macro lenses can highlight the intricate details of the architecture. Be mindful of the 6 PM closing time to ensure you have ample light for your shots.
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers
Consider researching the history of the Paliwal community before your visit to enhance your understanding. The village serves as a powerful reminder of how societies evolve and how history is preserved through its physical remnants. It’s a place that encourages reflection on the stories etched in stone.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enigmatic History of Kuldhara
The most compelling aspect of Kuldhara's history is its sudden and complete abandonment. Folklore suggests that around 200 years ago, the entire population vanished overnight. The popular legend attributes this exodus to the oppressive demands of Salim Singh, the then minister of Jaisalmer. It is said that he desired the village headman's daughter and threatened the villagers with dire consequences if their demands were not met. In a collective act of defiance and to protect their honor, the Paliwal Brahmins chose to leave their homes, reportedly placing a curse on the village to ensure it would never be inhabited again.
While the curse narrative adds a dramatic flair, historians also consider other possibilities, such as natural calamities or socio-economic pressures, though no definitive historical evidence supports these theories. The Archaeological Department has undertaken restoration efforts to preserve this heritage site, allowing visitors to glimpse into a past that continues to intrigue and inspire.
Experiencing Kuldhara: What to Expect
Many visitors emphasize that despite the village's reputation, there's no sense of fear or haunting. Instead, the atmosphere is one of historical intrigue and quiet contemplation. The ruins offer a unique backdrop for photography, with the textures of the stone and the play of light and shadow creating dramatic visuals. The journey to Kuldhara itself is often described as scenic, making the trip an enjoyable part of the overall experience.
It's important to be prepared for the visit. Bring plenty of water as there are no facilities within the village. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, and light clothing is advisable, especially during the hotter months. The nominal entry fee is payable in cash, and visitors are expected to leave by 6 PM, ensuring the site's preservation and safety.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit